Introducing Burger King's New 'California' Whopper

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Earlier this summer, we told you there were big changes afoot at Burger King, and now they're officially going into effect. To summarize: Sales have been slipping at the number-two burger chain, and management responded by firing ad agency Crispin Porter + Bogusky, vowing to change up their marketing tactics, refresh stores, and update menus. BK has said they want to focus ad campaigns back on the food itself, hoping to lure a broader customer base (read: women) back into the restaurants. The key words here are "fresh," "healthy," and "guacamole," all three of which are apparently chick-magnets and big trends in fast food these days.

But what does all of this mean to you, the burger-lover? Well, new ad agency McGarryBowen has 86'd that creepy, big-headed King mascot (he of the home invasions, stalking, and other behaviors that are really popular with women), so that guy will no longer be haunting you in your sleep. The first spots promoting the shiny new California Whopper started airing on Saturday, and they've already surfaced online (though Burger King's website, which will presumably be updated in due time, still features work by the former agency). They are innocuous in the extreme, featuring fresh ingredients being washed, sliced, and diced over some upbeat, rhythmic music. Nothing offensive here.

So about that California Whopper. The sandwich is being rolled out nationwide today but has been available for some time at the company's six Whopper Bars, so I visited one this weekend to check it out. Pictured above, it's a Whopper with bacon, Swiss cheese, and guacamole, described by BK as "West Coast-inspired" (I can only assume that refers to the guacamole) and "refreshing" — basically, Burger King's first pass at the whole new fresh/healthy vibe. Weighing in at 820 calories, 56 grams of fat, and 1400 milligrams of sodium, it's not exactly what I'd classify as diet-friendly, and in fact it's actually less healthy on every count than the original Whopper. It tastes pretty decent, except for the guacamole, which has no discernible avocado flavor and looks like the stuff that Nickelodeon used to slime people on You Can't Do That on Television. But if you like bacon and Swiss cheese (who doesn't?) and can get over the guacamole, it's worth trying.